So, this started out really strong for me- I was loving every single page.. which progressively dwindled until I got to around 40% and then I just hit a brick wall. This book is almost 100% telling and no showing. Everything is just told to the reader but at the same time, things aren’t explained or described very well.

Told in 1st person POV we follow our FMC Freya who is the wife of a fisherman. She's clearly unhappy and in a terrible marriage and dreams of becoming a warrior. Within the first or second chapter we meet Bjorn who is our love interest and it's very lust at first sight...ehh I'm on the fence with that, sometimes I don't mind it.. sometimes I find it cringe...

Anyway, shortly after their meeting while strolling to mom and dads house with some fish she stumbles across the region's jarl - her husband had betrayed her by revealing that she had a drop of blood from a goddess hence giving her goddess power. She was not aware that he knew this information as her father had told her to never speak of it to anyone since she was a child - this puts her in a precarious situation due to the prophecy that has been told to the 'king' / jarl that the shieldmaiden would unite the lands under one king.

Alright, all of this so far is definitely my jam.. but where I struggled is first and foremost in a 'romantasy' book I NEED an engaging plot, I NEED worldbuilding. I need that to drive the book way more than I need the romance aspect.

There was very little worldbuilding... I really just imagined the world from the show Vikings to get me through most.

There is this prophecy that we keep hearing about but there is very little crumbs you are offered throughout the story... just repetitive blind following of the gods.

I also struggled a bit with the pacing, the beginning started off with a bang and the middle was way slower than I would have liked. That may just be a me problem- my ADHD can run wild when I read and if I'm not kept engaged I drift and become very uninterested in a story.

I just didn't feel like the storytelling was as well structured or as vivid as The Bridge Kingdom. Which is not to say all is lost with this book, I will likely continue the series- and I think if you prefer the romance aspect over the fantasy (worldbuilding and story weaving) then you may enjoy it much more than I did.


✔𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞
✔𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲
✔𝐅𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐌𝐂
✔𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬
✔𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
✔𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐖𝐚𝐫



Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Danielle L. Jensen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So happy I pre-ordered this as soon as it was announced. This is the perfect start to a viking-inspired romantasy series! This is also my first introduction to Danielle L. Jensen's writing and WOW did she not disappoint! I have been a huge fan of Vikings, Norse Mythology and magic for a long time, now to read this and get swept away into the start of the Saga of the Unfated is absolute perfection.

5 ⭐️
2🌶️

At its core, this is a tale of Freya, our hot-headed, sassy FMC, learning about her destiny and deciding to either deal with her fate or control it. The first few pages, learning of the world and the characters was so immersive and intricate. Norse lore can be overwhelming, but I did not want to put this down and did not feel confused in the least. Not only that but the story has a perfect balance between the romantic aspects to the action. Bjorn officially has achieved book boyfriend status with the flirty banter, forbidden attraction and charm. He will protect Freya no matter the cost and I love every second of it.

”It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.”

Slow Burn
Touch her and Die
Spicy Forbidden Romance
Humans blessed with magic of the Gods
Cliffhanger!

If you love romantasy, vikings or good amounts of banter, you will LOVE this. This is the start of an epic journey with many secrets to still unravel.
A Fate Inked in Blood publishes Feb 27, 2024, and it needs to be on your TBR!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group—Ballantine and NetGalley for this digital galley in return for my honest review.

✨Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC ✨



This was a fantastic read, and one that compares to so many other well written roomantacies (The Fourth Wing, ACOTAR)
The characters in A Fate Inked in Blood are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets. Feyra is a strong and determined protagonist who was easy to relate to. Her growth and development were a joy to witness, as she navigated the treacherous political landscape and discovered her own powers.

The romance in this novel is beautifully woven into the plot, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion. The chemistry between Feyra and Bjorn is palpable, and their relationship evolves naturally over the course of the story. It was refreshing to see a romance that didn't overshadow the main plot but instead enhanced it. I really loved this and enjoyed venturing into a Norse-inspired world of gods and magic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC REVIEW:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Fate Inked in Blood is a captivating and thrilling fantasy romance that transports the reader to a Norse-inspired world of magic, war, and destiny. The author creates a vivid and immersive setting, with rich details and descriptions that make the story come alive. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, as the heroine Freya faces deadly challenges, divine interventions, and forbidden desires. Freya is a strong and courageous character, who grows from a fishmonger's wife to a shield maiden blessed by the gods. She has a drop of a goddess's blood that gives her the power to repel any attack, but also makes her the target of a power-hungry king who wants to use her to unite the fractured nation of Skaland. Along the way, she meets Bjorn, the king's son and her sworn enemy, who becomes her protector and her lover. Their romance is passionate and intense, but also fraught with danger and secrets. The author does a great job of building the tension and chemistry between them, as well as exploring their inner conflicts and emotions. The book ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the reader eager for the next installment in the Saga of the Unfated series. A Fate Inked in Blood is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance, Norse mythology, and epic adventures

A Fate Inked in Blood is INCREDIBLE!! I enjoyed every second of this book from the Norse Mythology to the action to the slow burning forbidden romance between Freya and Bjorn. The banter and quick wit between the characters had me absolutely cackling at times then sobbing the next and then blushing fiercely at the steamy steamy moments. I was not prepared for the absolute plot twists and turns and I’m still reeling from it all. You can tell how much love, time, research, and pure imagination went into this and I’m so thankful to have gotten to give my unbiased honest opinion. Five stars across the board, utter perfection.

I have never been so hooked in the first chapter before in my life!

This book reeled me in to where I couldn’t put it down. I haven’t read a Norse-Inspired fantasy romance series before and I was not disappointed. The world building and political aspects made sense and was easy to follow.

Watching Freya and Bjorn interact are my favorite parts! The banter is top notch! The magical aspect is interesting too. Not too cliche and done really well. I am dying for book 2 and can’t wait to see where these characters go.

What to expect:
• Norse-inspired / Vikings
• Fantasy
• slow burn
• Banter
• spice on page
• magic
• battle/war



Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own!

I was given a free ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Del Rey in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t think people are going to like my honest review but I was no a fan of this book. At all.

Which makes me sad, because I absolutely love Danielle Jensen’s Bridge Kingdom series. Reading this ARC after those books is so strange because it’s like she got worse as a writer instead of better. :/

This book is almost 100% telling and no showing. Everything is just told to the reader but at the same time, things aren’t explained or described very well. For example, the beginning is super rushed to the point that it makes the Big Reveal (Freya’s having magic) almost confusing at first. We barely get any page time with Frya’s husband Vragi, and what we do get is an almost comically villainous portrayal of him just to hammer home how much we should despise him and be glad when he dies just a few pages later. But he’s been spying on Freya enough to know she has magic?? Why couldn’t we actually see that happen??

My guess is the beginning is so rushed so that we could get more time with Freya becoming this great shield maiden that destiny has foreseen for her. Except we barely get any scenes of that either. Mostly, things just seem to happen TO Freya rather than her doing anything for herself. Oh, she wants to train as a warrior? We get two barely glossed over scenes about that, both times described in as few sentences as possible so the arrative can devote more time to Freya lusting over Bjorn. I’m not really seeing where the “slow burn” comes from when they meet at like page 5 and spend the whole book lusting after each other. There’s no romantic tension when you already know the two leads are going to get together. So it being a matter of “when” isn’t as exciting as if it were a matter of “if” that some slow burns are.

And the big reveal at the end was super obvious for the entire book that it makes Freya just look stupid for not guessing who the traitor was the entire time.

I’m so upset at how lackluster and just badly written this book was. I know the author can do better, and I’m sad she didn’t.

Give me a Viking fantasy and add some romance, and I’m a happy bookworm. I will eat this up all day every day. This delivers on all things Viking. Battles, gods, sacrifices, magic, blood and death. This book does get a little dark and twisted at times, but it made it all the more consumable for me. DLJ has a way with sucking her readers into a story. In this world, there are children of the gods who are blessed with a small amount of power at conception. Freya is a shield Maiden who wants to be used as a tool for men to become kings. She is fierce and has some…anger issues. I loved her for her flaws. Mostly. Without spoilers I won’t share my complaints and what held it back from being 5 stars. I loved Bjorn, our hunky Viking warrior of a love interest. Thank you to netgalley for the arc, all opinions are my own. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2. Friends, you’ll definitely want to add this to your preorder/wishlist!!

A Fate Inked in Blood is inspired by Norse mythology and follows Freya as she tries to create her own fate, despite everyone around her trying to create one for her. She is tasked to help unite a nation while under the control of a Jarl who wishes to become king. However, her feelings for the Jarl’s son start to complicate matters while her unknown fate is ever changing.

I began this book with little knowledge of what it was about and held no expectations, but it exceeded anything I might have thought. The plot was compelling and I was immediately pulled into it, never getting bored with it. The pace of it was perfect and it didn’t leave much to be desired. Just when I thought the plot would be predictable, Danielle Jensen quickly made me believe otherwise. I never truly knew what might happen next and the ending proved that. The FMC is strong and full of wit while also being full of surprises.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Fate Inked in Blood" is a compelling and intricately woven tale of destiny, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family bonds. This gripping novel, written by Danielle L Jensen, takes readers on a journey through the dark corridors of a world steeped in ancient traditions and secrets.

The story revolves around Freya, a young shield maiden who is thrust into a world of magic and mystery when they discover an ancient prophecy that hints at their pivotal role in an impending cataclysm. The author does an excellent job of immersing readers in the intricate details of the story's universe, from the enigmatic rituals to the vividly depicted landscapes. It's clear that Danielle L Jensen has meticulously crafted a world that is both captivating and believable.

One of the standout elements of this book is its character development. The protagonist, Freya, is a complex and relatable character who undergoes significant growth throughout the narrative. Their journey of self-discovery and the challenges they face make for a compelling read. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each character contributing to the overall depth of the story.

The plot unfolds with a steady pace, offering a balanced mix of action, intrigue, and emotional moments. The overarching mystery surrounding the prophecy and the ominous threat it represents keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth. However, there are moments when the narrative's complexity might require readers to pay close attention to keep track of the various plot threads and connections.

The prose in "A Fate Inked in Blood" is evocative and eloquent, creating a vivid atmosphere that adds to the book's immersive quality. Danielle L Jensen has a talent for descriptive storytelling, making it easy to visualize the settings and empathize with the characters' experiences.

While the novel excels in many aspects, it does have some moments where the pacing may feel a bit uneven, and certain plot developments might be anticipated by astute readers. Nevertheless, these minor quibbles don't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, "A Fate Inked in Blood" is a spellbinding journey into a world where destiny and choice intersect. With its well-drawn characters, intricate world-building, and a compelling blend of mystery and magic, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Danielle L Jensen has crafted a captivating story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series

I just want to start out first by saying that this book was a breath of fresh air. Being a fantasy/romantasy reader, you can see many trends in a lot of the books you read. It can be like reading the same book over and over again with different characters and worlds. This book was different. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy it because it has Norse Mythology influence, but it wasn't a straight up retelling of any actual Norse lore or carbon copy of some other fantasy novel. I would say this book is a 2 out of 5 on the spice scale, but the actual story itself was so intriguing and enthralling to me. I am not someone who has to have a lot of spice in the story to enjoy it and I would recommend this to any friends who like Norse myth, forced proximity, slow burn, and battle/wartime story lines. This book is for you if you like that as well as books that don't have to be the same whimsical fae story and more viking/norse gods and goddess based. I am eager to see where Danielle takes us in book 2!

Thank you so much for granting my wish and providing an early copy for review!

I think this book has a bit of something for everyone - drama, intrigue, romance... I loved the mythology spin on this and that ending had me on the edge of my seat. I'm definitely going to need book 2 as soon as possible.

thank you again - I couldn't stop reading this!

Started reading this book and couldn’t put it down! I was always kept on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next! Feeling the frustration Freya felt with her destiny, Loved the Norse mythology can’t wait for the next book!

Danielle has done it again! As a fan of the Bridge Kingdom series and the Dark Shores series I knew I would love this too, and I really, really did. Norse mythology, vikings, feuds and beautiful twists and turns..This book has everything I've ever wanted in a romantasy.


Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my gods, this book was so amazing.

When I wasn’t reading, it consumed my thoughts. When I was reading, I simultaneously wanted to read faster (to find out the ending) and slower (to make it last.)

Freya has spent her life hiding a secret: she is a daughter of Hlin, a goddess of protection. But when a band of warriors and their jarl force her to reveal her powers, she finds herself on a journey to achieve a prophecy - that the Shield Maiden will unite all of Skaland under one King Snorri. Her journey is filled with many trials from the gods, but none is as rigorous as trial she faces within herself about her feelings for Bjorn, Jarl Snorri’s son. As an unfated, Freya’s destiny is hers for the taking… but at what costs?

What I loved:
- Freya’s internal battle - wanting to take control of her life and destiny, but simultaneously wanting to protect her family, friends, and people.
- Norse mythology - admittedly, I don’t know much about the Norse gods and goddesses, but this book gave me a great excuse to do more reading.
- Bjorn, Bjorn, Bjorn - enough said.
- Strong female characters - Freya, of course, but I like that there were female warriors, as well.
- Fast pace with a Sloooooowwwwww and steamy burn

What was just okay:
- Gore: this book was heavy on the details, which makes for great reading. BUT when it came to violence and gore, the squeamish side of me didn’t appreciate it as much.
- Book 1 in an unfinished series: I knew what I was signing up for; however, UGH now I have to wait for the second book, and I am a very impatient reader!

This was my first book by Danielle L. Jensen, and I know it will not be my last. I’m excited to read her other books!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review. It has been an honor and a privilege to read and review this work.

I wanted so badly to love this book, unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I had such high hopes because I absolutely adored The Bridge Kingdom and it’s one of my all time faves. But this one fell flat. The insta love in the first chapter really threw me off.

I’m sure that this book will be widely loved, it just wasn’t for me.

3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫 actually lol
The beginning was a 5 star! I instantly drawn in and rooting for our heroine, Freya. I mean....the "stunt" she pulled to save her brother was nothing short of EPIC 🤩
I also loved the tension between Freya and Bjorn! Even though....their attraction was utterly forbidden 🙊
But....as the novel went on, I started getting increasingly frustrated with Freya's decisions and short sightedness. For someone who wanted to be a hard warrior so bad, she certainly let emotions cloud her judgement time and time again. And most of the time her temper and confusion caused lives! Lives she supposedly didn't want to take, yet she kept making decisions that led to death. I wanted to smack sense into her 😹
I understand how she was frustrated with continually being used though, and all those who wanted to have her certainly kept the novel filled with battles, intrigue, betrayals, lies & secrets 🙊 which kept everything intense.
Great world building, very viking. We could easily spot the inspiration from Norse mythology and well written with good pacing.
Just wish Bjorn had been more honest and that Freya wasn't so......easily controlled both by others and her emotions.
This is only book one though and I expect that epic warrior side of her will shine more in the upcoming novels 😄

I loved this book!

The plot was ripe with adventure. The romance was sizzling and steaming. I'm rooting for Bjorn and Freya. And who doesn't love a strong female main character?

I'm so ready for the next in the series...I'm hooked by the ending and can't wait to go to Nordeland!

Spoiler free review of A Fate Inked in Blood in exchange for ARC provided by Del Ray.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: One horse, fated lovers, set up for enemies to lovers, cave scene

Danielle L Jensen's writing continues to stun. This debut novel of her new series "Sage of the Unfated" will wow fans of her previous series, The Bridge Kingdom. It's clear she excels at writing strong FMCs who can hold their own with the men in they encounter in the world. This book stays true to her formula of writing novels that are easy-to-read and to remain engaged in. The only time I found myself putting my kindle down was to look up imagery.

This book is perfect for readers or gamers who happen to be fans of Skyrim, The Witcher universe as all 3 are heavily inspired by Norse mythology. The approach Jensen takes towards worldbuilding in this book eases readers into such mythology, exploring the role and mark that the Norse gods have on the main characters slowly. I really enjoyed the gentle introduction of the mythology into the storyline, intertwined with the progression of the FMC's journey and the romance with the MMC.

MMC: He is sooo swoon-worthy. Seriously!!! I'm avoiding quotations as this is a spoiler-free review but omg does he have BDE while also trusting Freya to take care of herself.

THE ENDING OMGGGGGG MY HEART! I did not expect that but Freye is such a badass!

I am a huge fan of the Bridge Kingdom series and was excited to delve into another of DLJ.
Overall, the Viking-inspired world was interesting and the pacing was steady enough to hold my interest. Although it did take me until about 30% before I truly became invested.
I do feel that this book is missing a lot of the depth of character, elegant dialogue, and truly unexpected surprises that Bridge showed Danielle is capable of.
The plot points are very obvious and predictable, so much so that I began to dislike the FMC for being so blind. I do enjoy more realistic fantasy characters (I have been getting tired of the “she’s not like others despite weakness” types and was happy that this FMC had faults. But, come on girl, the answers were right in front).
The lack of inspiring dialogue was a big hang-up for me while reading - the BK series has great wit and a nice flow between characters but this felt more of a fanfic-type style. Not terrible but not what I’ve come to expect.
The romance is okay. It didn’t develop in a fluid way, it felt like “We all know what’s going to happen so let’s just kind of rush there”.

I think this will scratch a romantasy itch for plenty and is worth the read!